Polansky, Zachary H., 25, of Lexington, MA, passed away suddenly on May 1, 2023, leaving his family bereft. Son of Hari M. and Susan R. Polansky (Vlamynck) of Lexington, brother of Daniel Polansky and his wife Aleena of Woburn, and Allison Muller, husband John, and their children, Lillian and Hailey of Burlington. Also, nephew to Pat Vlamynck, VT, Jean Vlamynck, CA and Lyn Shamban, MA.

Zach was world renowned in the logic puzzle and competitive computer programming communities. He graduated from U of Rochester, 2019, working first at Google, then moving on to his ideal job of designing logic puzzle games for Thekla, Inc. His companionship was remarkable whether traveling with family, engaging with friends or bantering with rivals across a game board. His wit and wisdom will truly be missed.

A Funeral Service will be held Saturday May 6 at the Douglass Funeral Home, 51 Worthen Rd. Lexington at 11 am, visitation immediately prior from 9:30am to 11am. Relatives and friends are kindly invited. Donations in his memory may be made in lieu of flowers to The MIT MysteryHunt at www.puzzles.mit.edu. Interment private.

In addition, Zachary was known by his nom de plume of Jack Lance. He delighted in creating yearly puzzle hunts for Pi Day, which can be accessed by the links below.

From Max Woghiren of the Puzzlers Club –

We are heartbroken to share, by request of his family, that Jack Lance passed away suddenly on May 1st .

Jack was one of the founding members of Puzzlers Club.  It goes without saying that he was among the brightest lights in the puzzle community, leaving us with astounding puzzles (< https://jacoblance.wordpress.com/ >), wildly creative games (< https://jacklance.github.io/ >), and a plethora of fantastic wordplay finds.  His brilliance and wit made him one of a kind.

The visitation and funeral service mentioned in the obituary are open to anyone who would like to attend ( Saturday, May 6th in Lexington, MA).  We also encourage donations in his memory to the MIT Mystery Hunt (< http://puzzles.mit.edu/ >).